New York Mets digital media host Mike Janela recently took on the role of emcee for Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center's 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing. The event, which served as a fundraiser, also marked the nonprofit's 25-year milestone in supporting child victims of abuse and neglect.
Wynona’s House has made a significant impact over its history, affecting more than 36,494 individuals, including 12,896 child victims and 23,598 family members. Events like the October 8 golf outing at Crystal Springs Resort are crucial for raising awareness and financial support to further the organization's mission of creating a safe environment for children.
Janela shared his personal connection to Wynona’s House: “I know how important feeling safe and secure as a child is for your upbringing,” he said. “I just want every child to have that same opportunity, to grow up healthy, and happy like I did."
He continued by expressing his ties to Newark: “Being that Wynona’s House is based in Newark, and that’s where my family immigrated to in the ’60s and ’70s from Portugal, I felt a personal connection to the organization because they were serving all of Essex County,” he said. “I want every kid to feel cared for and supported.”
Robert Crocker, executive director of Wynona’s House, commented on the community's involvement: "It reignites a burning passion to keep pushing forward and to carry out our mission because we know we are not alone in this fight for justice," Crocker said.
Steven Shields, facility consultant and volunteer golf committee member at Wynona’s House added: "Their efforts truly change lives by providing children with the hope and healing they need after facing trauma. It goes beyond mere support; it’s about ensuring that kids have a genuine chance at justice and healing."
Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center operates as an incorporated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization named after its legislative champion, the late state Senator Wynona Lipman. The center promotes hope, healing, and justice for child victims in Essex County through coordinated investigation, prosecution, treatment prevention services using a multidisciplinary team approach.
Located in Newark as New Jersey's first fully co-located Child Advocacy Center serving Essex County residents directly handles over 950 cases annually involving child abuse or neglect.
